With qualifying for the spring municipal elections a week away, the campaign is in full swing in Gretna. Mayor Ronnie Harris's decision to retire after seven terms in office, has opened up the post for chief executive in what could be the highest profile race in the city.

The Gretna mayor's race is expected to pit Councilmembers Vincent Cox III and Belinda Constant against each other. Qualifying for the April 6 elections begins Feb. 15.Andrea Shaw NOLA.com|The Times-Picayune

Also up for grabs are five seats on the City Council and police chief. Qualifying begins Feb. 13 and runs through Feb. 15.

The election is April 6.

Council members Belinda Constant and Vincent Cox III have declared their intent to run for mayor, leaving two council seats vacant. Their official entries into the race will set the stage for the largest turnover in elected government since 2001.

"We've lost a councilperson here and there,'' Police Chief Arthur Lawson said, recalling the death of Councilman Hubert "Bunny'' Uzee in 2001 and the retirement of Sammy Marchese in 2005. Gerry Schexnayder also retired in 2001. "The mayor's race opens up at least two positions on the council for sure. I don't know if there are any other individuals getting in the race. It's going to be wait and see. It's going to be a different council.''

Lawson will seek re-election and unseating him will be a formidable task for any candidate who takes the plunge. Noted for its rapid response time, the police department under Lawson has expanded its reach through a multi-jurisdictional task force and strengthened ties among law enforcement agencies, particularly on the West Bank.

With Gretna Councilmembers Belinda Constant and Vincent Cox III running for mayor, the City Council could see its greatest turnover since 2001.Andrea Shaw NOLA.com|The Times-Picayune

But anything could happen during qualifying, the chief said. "I'm prepared to run a race if I have to,'' said Lawson, who is seeking a third term.

Constant was the first woman elected to the Gretna City Council and has made preserving the city's downtown historic district her hallmark.

A staunch advocate for recreation, Cox has served on the council for 25 years.

Few names have surfaced for the open council seats. Most prominent though is criminal defense attorney Joe Marino, who is planning to run for Constant's 2nd District seat. Marino, a Gretna native, chairs the historic district advisory committee.